@article{ref1,
title="Frequency of blood spatters on the shooting hand and of conjunctival petechiae following suicidal gunshots wounds to the head",
journal="Forensic science international",
year="1995",
author="Betz, P. and Peschel, Oliver and Stiefel, D. and Eisenmenger, W.",
volume="76",
number="1",
pages="47-53",
abstract="A total of 103 suicidal and 29 homicidal gunshot fatalities were evaluated. In 42% of the suicides, characteristic findings like blood spatters and/or powder soilings, could be found on the shooting hand by naked-eye inspection indicating the importance of an accurate examination of the deceased's hands at autopsy for a preliminary diagnosis. Petechial hemorrhages of the conjunctivae due to the gas pressure after discharge of the weapon were observed in 22% of those cases with contact shot wounds to the head/neck, but not in cases of distant shot injuries following the use of non-high velocity ammunition. Therefore, conjunctival petechiae can be regarded as an additional but optional sign of contact head shots in cases without alterations possibly influencing the development of conjunctival pin-point bleedings. The evidence of such findings can be of practical importance if the entrance shot wound cannot be examined for whatever reason.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0379-0738",
doi="",
url="http://dx.doi.org/"
}